Important questions to ask the surgeon or dentist if you're thinking about having treatment abroad.

Important questions to ask the surgeon or dentist if you're thinking about having treatment abroad.

Having all the information you need can help you make an informed choice about having treatment abroad.

Questions to ask

1. What are your qualifications and where can I verify them?2. Do you have a specialism? Where can I verify this information?3. What treatment options do I have?4. How many times have you carried out this procedure? 5. What are your rates of success, complication and infection?6. Are there any side effects or risks associated with the procedure?7. What are the postoperative infection rates at this clinic?8. How would the clinic deal with an emergency if serious complications were to arise during the procedure? 9. What should I expect immediately after the procedure? For example, will I experience pain, swelling or bruising? 10. At what stage will I be able to judge the results of the treatment?11. What type of care will I need after the treatment? Who will provide check-ups in the UK?12. How long will I need to stay abroad before I'm well enough to travel back to the UK?13. What happens if I'm unhappy with the treatment, or there are complications after the procedure? 14. Who would pay for corrective treatment and associated costs?15. Can you put me in touch with anyone else you have treated?16. How will I communicate with the doctors, dentists, nurses and other health workers involved in my care? 17. What language will my medical notes be in?18. Who can I contact for advice once I'm back in the UK?19. Does the doctor, clinic or hospital have insurance that covers my procedure?20. What happens if I change my mind at the last minute?

This list is just a start. Once you begin doing your research, you may have many more questions.

If you can't get satisfactory answers to all your questions, ask yourself if it's wise to go ahead with the treatment.